LeBron James And Luka Doncic React To Kyrie Irving's Insane Handles And Layup

The excitement in Mike Breen's voice was shared by the millions who watched the play as it happened. LeBron James was tuned in, sharing a message for his former teammate's incredible play.

"OMG KYRIE!!!!!!!! That was INSANE."

Luka Doncic saw Kyrie convert the layup on the court but had to share the highlight on his Instagram immediately after the game with a simple reaction.

"This is crazy."

Kyrie Irving put up 14 points and six assists in the Mavericks 123-93 win over the Clippers. The box score is misleading as Irving was one of the most impactful players on the court, especially with his defense against James Harden who had his first poor game of this series, ending the night with seven points on 2-12 shooting.

Luka Doncic was the star of the show after playing through sickness and a knee injury, putting up 35 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists in the blowout win. The Clippers couldn't score on the Mavericks' stifling defense, as they ran ahead in the third quarter of the game and never looked back.

Kyrie Irving Is Winning Over His Critics

Kyrie Irving spent a couple of years being treated as the worst asset in the NBA because of the controversies surrounding him during his stint with the Brooklyn Nets. Given the sour taste fans had in their mouths from his exit from Cleveland in 2017 and Boston in 2019, the narrative on Irving had soured.

The Mavericks were mocked for giving up real-value assets for Irving in February 2023, especially after they fell from No. 4 in the West to No. 11 after making the Irving trade. It wasn't the guard's fault but the fault of a poorly built roster that was tweaked over the season, as they're looking like major threats in the West one season after missing the playoffs.

Irving is averaging 25.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in the postseason, often looking like the Mavericks' best player. Luka Doncic openly admitted that Irving was carrying the team through the opening games of the playoffs, stressing how important it is that he supports Irving's production.

“I just got to help him more. I feel like I’m letting him down, so I got to be there, I got to help him more. He’s giving everything he has and he’s been amazing for us the whole series.”

Everyone knows Irving was brought to be Luka's co-star, but the pair have formed an amazing partnership where they both empower each other instead of squabbling over the ball. Irving's impact is far-reaching, as the locker room respects him as a veteran and legend of the game.

If the Mavericks make a deep run in the postseason, Irving will receive well-earned plaudits, as he has changed the tune everyone sang about his fit with Doncic and on the Mavericks through excellent and selfless play on the court.